Over my thirty-four years in my former career, I was looked after by more people than I can count. As an artist just beginning my journey, I am truly grateful to receive warm commissions through those connections. "Kansha to Zenshin (Gratitude and Progress)" was born from a commission by the president of a company that has operated in the fisheries industry in Kushiro for many years. He looked after me greatly during my time in Kushiro, and at a dinner after my retirement, he said, "Then paint one for me too."
"Paint my company as you see it"
When I asked what words or motifs he would like, the president said, "It's you and me. Paint my company as you see it." The trust in those words made me happier than anything, and also made me stand up straighter. I took up the brush while reflecting on the company's history, its vision for the future, the president's character, and all it has contributed to Kushiro and to the fisheries industry.
Growth rings of stone: a history built layer by layer
The first image that came to mind was a pattern like growth rings formed by stones stacked upon one another. Just as a tree's rings are carved over long years, countless crystals have hardened and layered together to make the company what it is today. I set the depth of that unshakable history in the painting as rings of stone.
Salmon, salmon roe, and hexagons: a foundation of happiness and prosperity
I painted autumn salmon and salmon roe, long the company's signature products, as the solid foundation it has built. On the roe in particular, I layered a hexagonal honeycomb pattern, said to bring happiness and prosperity. The image of stones stacked together, each supporting the next without a gap, felt to me like the very way this company has existed: supported by the community and its people, and supporting them in turn.
Scallops: a new pillar, full of momentum
In recent years, conditions surrounding autumn salmon have grown ever harsher, while scallops have been powerfully growing in presence as a new mainstay. I find this both something to be grateful for and deeply reassuring. In this work I gave the scallop a large, dynamic place, with the wish that the company will continue to grow and flourish.
A hidden "thank you": the circle of gratitude
And quietly hidden deep in the painting is a cymatics pattern born from the word "arigato," thank you. Cymatics are the ripple patterns drawn by sound frequencies, and they are the motif I intend to place at the center of my work from now on. A company that has continued for so long has been supported by many people, and has supported many people in turn. From people to the company, from the company to people: all are connected in a circle of gratitude that keeps coming around. I entrusted that feeling to the ripples of frequency.
Hung in the entrance
When I delivered it, the president said, "I'll hang it in the entrance, where people come and go," and was delighted. I sincerely pray that this painting, hanging in your entrance, will become a new source of strength supporting the company. There are times of decline and times of growth; even in this great period of change, I wish your company, moving forward with gratitude in its heart, ever greater prosperity. I am deeply grateful to have been blessed with this connection so soon after my retirement.
Painter KOHIKO (光日子)